China on the World Stage: Weighing the U.S. Response. Teacher's Resource Book [and Student's Guide]. Public Policy Debate in the Classroom. Choices for the 21st Century Education Project.

Malkasian, Mark

This curriculum unit focuses attention on the evolving relationship the United States has with the emerging East Asian giant, China. Developed by the Choices for the 21st Century Education Project, Choices material places special emphasis on the importance of educating students in their participatory role as citizens. The unit considers the global impact of China's economic growth, societal transformation, and increasing international involvement. The teacher's unit suggests a 5-day lesson plan, discusses the "Choices" approach, and outlines how to integrate the unit into the classroom. The unit's lesson plan opens with a document activity that offers students insight into the evolution of U.S.-Chinese relations since the mid-1800s. The second day of the lesson invites students to reflect on changes in Chinese political values through the analysis of song lyrics. The third and fourth days feature a simulation in which students assume the role of advocates for the four options. Finally, on the fifth day students consider the implications of their own options for U.S. policy in the context of China's current transition. The Teacher's Resource Book presents a list of terms and key concepts, suggests ways that teachers can help make the "Choices" approach work in the classroom, and offers an alternative 3-day lesson plan. The student guide is divided into three parts: "The History of U.S.-Chinese Relations"; "China's Transformation"; and "The U.S.-China Agenda." Four options are outlined for classroom debate: (1) "Press for Democratic Values"; (2) "Promote Stability Trade"; (3) "Contain China"; and (4) "Keep Our Distance." The guide also provides a worksheet for "focusing your thoughts" about the four options. Upon completion of the worksheet, the student is asked to develop his or her own opinion on an issue. The student guide contains supplementary documents for reading and a 14-item suggested reading list. (BT)